Text a gambling helpline instead of calling

You do not have to say anything out loud to get help. Several gambling and crisis lines take text messages, and some also have chat. If a phone call feels like too much tonight, a text is a real way in.

If you feel unsafe or are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988 now (in Canada, 9-8-8). If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.

Lines that take texts

• US: the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Call, text or chat through ncpgambling.org, 24/7. Free and confidential.
• US and Canada, crisis: text 988 (in Canada, 9-8-8). Free, 24/7.
• Canada, Ontario: text CONNEX to 247247.
• Australia, crisis: Lifeline, text 0477 13 11 14.
• New Zealand: the Gambling Helpline takes texts on 8006, and the crisis line 1737 takes calls and texts for free.

Other countries and provinces are in the list below. Where a line is listed as call only, a chat page on its website is often the next best way in.

What to send

Your first message can be very short. You do not need to explain the whole thing.

• "I want to bet and I do not want to."
• "I lost money tonight and I do not know what to do."
• "Can I talk to someone about gambling?"

You can add what is happening right now: what you want to bet on, how long the urge has been there, whether you are alone.

What to expect

A person reads your message and writes back. It can take a few minutes, so keep the phone nearby and not on the betting app. They will usually ask what is going on tonight and whether you are safe. You do not have to give your name. You can stop replying at any point, and nobody should push you to carry on.

Standard message rates from your phone plan may apply. Check your plan if that matters to you. Texting from a number you already use will show in your phone's message history. If privacy matters, you can delete the thread afterwards.

While you wait for a reply

1. Put the betting app out of reach. Log out, or leave the phone with the app closed.
2. Drink some water and stand up.
3. Keep the thread open and wait.

If you are in the middle of an urge, the next ten minutes is a timed plan you can follow while you wait.

Texting a person you know

You can use the same short messages with a friend or family member. "Rough moment. Can you talk for five minutes?" is enough. If you want to keep this private for now, see how to stop betting without telling anyone.

Before the next urge

Hold The Bet is free with no account. It shows your own number and reason and holds a 30 second pause, with a one tap text to someone you trust.